1 1 The Demon

Elijah Adler stared at his tall reflection in the mirror. The buried anger lingering in his blue eyes as he stared at his own bare chest. The pale slashes of flesh spanning from his right shoulder to his left hip. The air around him grew thicker as he stared. The maid behind him who walked in with a somber expression now hid her head low, staring at the ground. All traces of sadness gone, replaced by fear. Elijah knew it was fear of him, fear of that look that he gave every morning as he stared and remembered why he did what he did. Why he put up with it all.

"Rosita." He growled. The maid's head snapped up, fear still lingering in her eyes as she refused to make eye contact even through the mirror.

"Yes, my lord."

"We will have a visitor, soon. Go make tea and bring it to the study. No one enters once he's arrived. Understood?"

"Yes, my lord."

Elijah watched as Rosita ran off, out the room and down the corridor. Clearly feeling fortunate to be rid from the "demon". The staff had no idea he knew of their nickname for him. If they did they would feel even more fear, wondering when the vengeance would strike. But how could he avenge that which was true? Sure, he wasn't a literal demon. With red eyes, black wings, and a hunger for the blood of innocents. But he wasn't an angel, either. His anger was his personality and he knew that all too well.

After dressing, Elijah walked off to the study. It was large, and others might even call it magnificent. But to him, it was a cage of memories he'd sooner like to forget. But the nightmares weren't going to let that happen. They reminded him, every night.

As he stood staring towards the large window behind his desk he heard the study door open. Rosita walked in with a large figure following behind her. She set the tray of tea down on the desk and scampered out the room almost in a panic.

"Elijah, my boy!" A Cheshire grin spread across the man's face sending Elijah's nerves into a frenzy. Adam. Elijah's father, was a bulky man who's height daunted most men. His near black eyes seemed almost soulless when they bore down on you. He wore a black suit with a grey shirt and a deep red tie. His facial hair framed his face with shar lines. His blond hair was slicked back making the angle of brows look that much more devilish. Elijah hated this man with every fiber of his being. But he had to push those emotions down, for now.

"Father. Please sit." Elijah painted a smile on, one he knew would never reach his eyes.

"I hadn't expected you to actually see me. It's been some years." Adam sat in the chair opposite the desk as Elijah leaned his hip against it.

"It has," Elijah forced a smile, "better late than never, though, correct?"

"Of course, dear boy. Have you thought more of my proposition?"

"Yes. I'd like to meet her. Only, I'll be doing it on my own terms. I won't be telling her the nature of the meeting."

"Her father has already agreed. Why on earth should she not know?"

Elijah stood straight and strolled to the chair behind his desk where he sat sat and stared at his father, trying to not convey the ice he felt for the man. "You let me worry about that, deal?"

"Very well. As long as it happens I suppose it doesn't matter how." Adam walked back to the door of the study. "Just remember, you'll still be answering to me boy."

As Adam left Elijah smiled at the door, the ice finally making its appearance in his eyes. Rosita opened the door with her head bowed and walked over to where the tea sat, untouched.

"Tell Samuel to prepare the car. I'll be leaving."

"Yes, my lord. Will you be back for dinner?"

"I'm not sure. I'll have Samuel call you with that information. Now, leave."

Rosita rushed out, never having met Elijah's eyes. Fortunate for her. She has learned. Had she looked up her fear would have grown. Elijah's face still held all of the rage he had pent up while his father sat in front of him.

"Just wait, father. You'll be answering to me soon enough."